Protect the backyard

Editor:

I’d like to take this opportunity to shed some additional light on the Gunnison Public Lands Initiative (GPLI) as I believe the overall concept greatly supports the primary reason many of us choose to live in Gunnison County — our backyard. The views we have from the top of our peaks, our rivers and streams full of trout, our expansive system of trails, and the nearly unlimited opportunities to get into the backcountry.

Additionally, our public lands and access support the livelihood of many local businesses, from hunting and fishing outfitters to other various tourism and resort based operations. We all know the vital role tourism plays in the local economy and visitors come from around the world to experience what we have in our backyard.

It’s important to appreciate everything that Gunnison County has to offer as there aren’t many places like this. We shouldn’t take these lands for granted and their future remains uncertain unless we speak up and work to protect them.

GPLI is our opportunity to preserve these incredible places in our backyard. It’s about keeping our backcountry wild, our water clean and our trail systems intact. I think that’s something we can all get behind.